Lithium acetate

Lithium acetate (CAS 546-89-4, EC 208-914-3), also known as AcOLi or CH3COOLi, is an inorganic lithium salt of acetic acid. It carries no E-code designation and is commercially available under the abbreviations LiOAc and CH3COOLi. It is catalogued under HS code 29152990 for customs and trade purposes.

In pharmaceutical and biotech applications, lithium acetate serves as a pH buffer in electrophoresis and yeast transformation protocols, where it temporarily permeabilises cell membranes to facilitate DNA uptake. In personal care formulations, it functions as a skin conditioner and mild antimicrobial agent, contributing to product preservation at controlled pH ranges.

Lithium acetate is supplied in powder and crystalline form, with grades conforming to Ph.Eur. and FCC standards depending on the target application. All supply within the European Economic Area falls under REACH regulation. Standard packaging includes multi-kilogram bags and drums, with documentation available to support pharmaceutical and cosmetic compliance audits.